ANDROID APP DEVELOPMENT
Where would the world be right now without apps. They are what make smart phones, well, smart. Without apps there definitely would not be anything in computers. They benefit have drastically changed how the world functions today. The features in apps are what attract users. The features, how well they work and the users determine how good an app is.
Around the world programmers are busy, building, designing, testing, and loading favorable features into their own apps. Building apps does not just happen like magic, there are fundamentals everyone, whether you are a seasoned programmer or a total beginner, has to follow to create a good app.
You have to:
- Master the language
Before you can communicate you need to master a means of communication. Just like learning to speak a new language. For android app development or any app development, you need to do this. It is basically the same thing.
The two main programming languages used for android app development are Java and XML. Mastery of these two programming languages are crucial in developing an android app.
Proper mastery of Java and XML will help you develop an elegant and great working android app. More so, even.
Some fundamentals of Java include:
- Packages
- Objects and classes
- Inheritance and interfaces
- Generics, strings and numbers
- Collections
- Concurrency
However, android apps can also be written using Kotlin and C++ languages, as stated by Google by using the Android software development kit (SDK).
- Familiarize yourself with the Right Environment and Development tools
This very important and should be done before developing your app. You should familiarize yourself with the integrated environment and build automation tools. For the tools, you can use Android app studio IDE or Eclipse so you can get used to the basics. If you are a beginner. They also help you learn many other things so you can improve your code. You should also familiarize yourself with the concepts and source control tools.
- Have knowledge of the Application components
This has to be in your pocket, in your hands, your head, wherever you want to keep it but have it. Application components are the essential building blocks for android app development. Each component is different by which the system can enter your app. Each one performs a specific purpose and exists as its own entity. There are some that depend on one another, they are not all entry points.
There are five different app components, each carrying out a distinct activity, a different purpose with a distinct life cycle. Each one defines how it is created or ultimately destroyed.
They include:
- Activities
- Services
- Content providers
- Broadcast receivers
- Activating components
- Fragmentations and awareness over it
With different devices and operating systems, Android is a fragmented market. You will require:
- Appropriate assets
- Appropriate
- More/frequent maintenance and testing (more so if it supports multiple versions)
- Appropriate layouts
All to help ensure best possible experiences for users with different screen characteristics. If your app supports multiple versions, there will be added cost for the maintenance and testing. Consider also, the array of Android supported UI facilities and sensors. All apps on Android have a class, one or more fragments and one or more activities.
- Make the right choice over needed tools
The simple tools needed to develop an Android app are a Windows PC or Mac, any type of Linux, Eclipse, the ADT plugin and the Android SDK. All of which are free. When writing/developing an android app keep in mind that android has unique parameters that should be considered. Some include:
- Performance and responsiveness
- Limited resources
- More than 100ms lags will be noticed by users.
